Time switch



May 15, 1928.

J. C. MILLER TIME SWITCH Filed Dec. 24, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet l 22 /27 7)? J/[EZ/az .May 15, 1928.

1,669,770 J. C. MILLER TIME: SWITCH Filed Dec. 24, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented May 15, 1928.

UNITED STATES rarest @FFIEE.

JOHN C. MILLER; 01? OAK SPARK ILLINOIS, ASSEGNOR TO SAMUEL S. OTIS.

TIME SWITCH.

Application filed December 24, 1825. Serial No. 77,498.

My invention relates,.generally stated, to electrical time switches provided for the purpose of automatically arresting the flow of current to a circuit upon the lapsing of a predetermined length, or lengths,"of time, and controllable to vary the length of time, at the will of the operator.

One of my objects is to provide a novel, simple and economical mechanism of the general character above stated whereby a switch controlled thereby may be caused, under the control of the operator, to automatically open after the lapsing of a selected period of time.

Another object is to provide a time element mechanism for use more particularly in connection with domestic electric toasters as commonly provided, to the end that the toaster will automatically cease to operate.

after a selected period of time has elapsed. Another object, and more particularly in this connection, is to provide a time device mechanism which may be used with a number of different kinds of electrical cooking devices as commonly provided and serve as asupport therefor, with the manifest advantage. Referring to the accompanying draw- 1ngs: I

Figure 1 is a plan sectional view of mechanism constructed in accordance with my invention, the parts being shown in the position they assume when the switch of the device is in 011' position, the section being taken at the line 1-1 on Fig. 2 and viewed in the direction of the arrows. Figure 2 is a view in side elevation of the mechanism of Fig. 1 with a portion of the casing broken away; and Figure 3, an enlarged broken section taken at the irregular line 33 on Fig. l and viewed in the direction of the arrow.

Referring to the particular illustrated embodiment of my invention which is provided of a form particularly adapting it for use with an electric toaster such as commonly provided, it comprises a casing 10 shown as of gene'ral rectangular form and supported at its four corners on stub legsll, the casing being shown as formed of a casting presenting the top plate 12 and the surrounding side walls 13, 14, 15and 16, the bottom plate of the casing, and represented at 17, being shown as formed separately from the parts just described and secured in place in any suitable manner. The casing 10 at its opposite ends is provided with push pin electrical sockets 18 and 19 of any desirab e construction, such for example as those commonly used, the socket 18. by way of example, be ing adapted to connect with a push plug leading from the service line and the socket 19 being adapted for connection with a push plug which would be electrically connected with the electrical device to be controlled by the time mechanism located in the casing 10 and hereinafter described, and provided for the purpose of controlling the operation of a switch, as for example, that shown at 20 which is electrically connected with the terminals of both sockets 18 and 19, through wires 21 and 22, the wires 22 being broken away between their ends The switch shown, the details of which are omitted because it is of a well known type, is of a construction involving a pair of push buttons 23 and 24 interlocked with each other whereby when one is pushed in the other is pushed opt, the button 24 operating when pushed in to close the circuit between the sockets 18 and 19 and when moved outwardly by pushing in the button 23 to the position shown in the drawings, to break this circuit.

The time mechanism shown is provided for effecting the movement of the switch to on and ofi position and comprises a lever 25 fulcrumed at 26 on the casing 10 and pivotally connected at 27 with a bar 28 slidable in a guide 29 on the casing 10 and opposing at its outer end, the outer end of the push button 24, whereby when the lever 25 is rocked to the left in Fig. 1 it will push the button 24 in with the result of pushing the button '23 out, and thereby close the circuit between the sockets l8 and 19. A coil spring 30 surrounding the bar 28 bears at its opposite ends against the guide 29 and a stop 31 on this rod, serves to yieldingly hold the lever 25 in the position shown in the drawings and return it to this position when this lever is actuated to condition the time mechanism as hereinafter described, it being understood that upon swinging the lever 25 to the left in the drawing the flow of current will be established from the line to the electrical device connected up with the mechanism through the socket 19.

The opening of the circuit at the switch 20 is controlled through the medium of a device which is moved out of normal position upon actuating the lever 25 as stated either once or a plurality of times in succession, the amount of movement given this device depending upon the number of times the lever is actuated, this device being automatically returnable to a position in which it actuates the switch to shut off the current, following the lapsing of a predetermined period, or periods of time. The device just referred to, as shown, .comprlses a drum 32 rotatably mounted on a pin 33 carried by the top plate 12, this drum containing a coil spring 34 one end of which is connected with the pin 33 as represented at 35 and the other end of which is connected with the drum 32, as represented at 36, the tendency of this spring being to rotate the drum in counter-clockwise direction in Fig. 1. The drum 32 is provided with a tappet 32 into the path of movement of which a bar 23 slidably mounted in brackets 10 on the casing 10, extends, this bar being located in alignment with, and directly opposing, the push button 23, whereby this push button is pushed inwardly to break the circuit through the switch in the return of the drum 32 to the position shown in Fig. 1, under the action of the spring 34:, following the movement of this drum out of the normal position shown, in the manner hereinafter described. The drum 32 is connected, as indicated at 37, with one end of a tape 38 which is partially wrapped about its periphery the other end of this tape being rigidly secured to, and partially wrapped about the periphery of, a second drum 39 journaled on a pin 40 carried by the plate 17, the drum 39 being formed with a sprocket portion 41, connected, by means of a sprocket chain 42, with a sprocket wheel 43 journalled on a shaft 44 secured in the casing 10.

When the drum 39 is rotated in clockwise direction in Fig. 1 it draws upon the band 38 thereby rotating the drum 32 in clockwise direction in this figure against the resistance of the spring 34. The rotation of the drum as just stated, is effected by mechanism carried by the lever 25 and comprising a stationary jaw 45 on this lever and a pivot jaw 46 provided on a finger-grip piece 47 pivoted on the lever as represented at 43. The jaw portions 45 and 4t are located at opposite sides of the sprocket chain a2, and are adapted to grip this chain and move the latter, by the operator pressing to the left in Fig. 1 against the hand piece 47 which operates first to grip the sprocket between the jaws 45 and 46 and thereafter bodily swing the lever 25 to the left in Fig. l and shift the sprocket chain accordingly, a stationary finger-gri 51 rigidly secured to the casing wall 15 Iorming a stop which may be engaged by a finger of the operator and permit of a squeezing grip upon the handle 47,

It may be here stated thatthe swinging of the lever 25 to the left in Fig. 1 thus not only ushes in the switch button 2 to close the circuit between the sockets 18 and 19 and thus to the electrical device controlled by the time mechanism, but also steps the drum 32 in clockwise direction withdrawing the stop 32* from a position in which it ohstructs the outward movement of the button 23, the switch remaining in closed position, until the drum 32 reversely rotates, under the action of its spring 34 to a position wherein the push .button 23 is pushed in and opens the same. The return movement of the drum 32 istilnedto cause the switch 20 to remain closed for the desired predetermined length of time, the mechanism shown for this purpose comprising a device of the escapement type commonly employed in clocks and comprising a balance wheel rotatably mounted on a shaft 53 carried by the casing 10, the coil spring cooperating with this balance wheel being represented at 5st; and a ratchet 55fixed on a shaft 56 mounted in the casing 10 and cooperating at its escapement teeth with the escapement arms 57 and 58 carried by the balance wheel 52. The shaft 56 is provided with a pinion 59 which meshes with a gear 60 rotatably mounted on the hub portion 61 of the drum 39, this gear being provided with a pawl 62 pivotally mounted on a face thereof, as represented at (33 and yieldingly pressed, by a spring or, in a direction to hold the pawl in engagement with the teeth of a ratchet wheel (35 rigidly secured to the outer end of the hub 61. It will be understood from the foregoing that when the sprocket chain 42 is moved by the operator in actuating the lever 25, to move the drum 32 out of normal position, the pawl 62 will idle as the ratchet 65 rotates in clockwise direction in Fig. 1, but will prevent reverse rotation of the ratchet 65, under the action of the spring 34, except at a predetermined speed controlled by the cscapeme t device referred to, by reason of its gear connection with the pawlequipped gear (30.

The setting up of the drum 32 out of normal position by actuating the lever 25 without afiecting the escapement mechanism, permits the operator to successively actuate this lever a plurality of times, whereby the point to which the tappet 32 is moved out of normal position may be controlled bythe operator, requiring a greater or less time, as the case may be, for the return of this tappet to switch-opening position. Thus, by way of example, the parts may be so constructed and arranged that a single actuation of the lever 25 requires the lapse of a minute of time before the drum 32 will have returned automatically to a position; in which the push button 23 is forced to switch-opening position, and that each subsequent actuation of the lever thereafter prolongs for one minute the opening of the circuit of the switch 20. Therefore, the operator by actuating the lever 25 say, for example, three times, the lever automatically returning to the position shown in Fig. 1 after each operation, steps up the drum 32 to such a position that it requires the lapsing of three minutes before the tappet 32,

a clapper (ii' cooperates, this clapper being carried by a lever 68 fulcrunied at 69 on the casing and extending at one end into the path of movement of the push button 24, so that when the push button 21-} is pushed in and the push button 24 is pushed out the bell 66 will be automatically sounded.

The mechanism is also adapted to permit of the maintaining of the circuit closed through the switch 20 for an indefinite time, as by the provision of means for holding the lever 25 in the position to which the operator swings it for pushing the button 24: in. By way of example the catch device shown at 70 may be provided, this device being pivoted at 71 on the wall 15 of the casing 10 and having a shoulder portion 72 for interlocking with the finger portion 47 of the lever 25 when the latter is operated as stated, this catch being manually movable into and out of locking position.

The particular illustrated embodiment of my invention is adapted particularly for use with certain cooking devices, as for example toasters, which latter may be set into the dished top of the casing 10, producing avery compact and desirable construction and rendering cooking devices already in use, automatically controllable for predetermined timed operation. 1

While I have illustrated and described my invention as embodied in a particular construction of device, I do not wish to be understood as intending to limit it thereto, as the same may be variously modified and altered Without departing from the spirit of my invention.

hat I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Pat-ent, is:

1. Mechanism of the character described comprising a controlling element, a movable member controlling one position of said element, means controlling another position of said element, said means being movable out of normal position under the control of said movable member, and time mechanism c0ntrolling the return of said means to normal position.

2. Mechanism of the character described comprising a controlling element, a movable member controlling one position of said element, means controlling another position of said element, said means being movable out of normal position under the control of said movable member in the movement of the latter to a position in which it controls said element, and time mechanism controlling the return of said mgans to normal position.

3. Mechanism of the character described comprising a controlling element, means controlling the position of said element, a movable member, means actuated by said movable member for moving said firstnamed means out of normal position and constructed and arranged to cumulate the movements of-the latter in one direction in successive actuations of said member, and time mechanism controlling the .return of said first-named means to normal position and operative to efiect such return upon the lapsing of a predetermined interval of time of a length dependent on the number of actuations of said member.

4. Mechanism of the character described comprising a controlling element, a movable member controlling the osition of said element, means also cont-r0 ing the position of said element, means actuated by said movable member for moving said first-named means out of normal position and constructed and arranged to cumulate the movements of the latter in one direction in successive actuations of said member, and time mechanism controlling the return of said firstnamed means to normal position and operative to ellect such return upon the lapsing or" a predetermined interval of time of a length dependent on the number of actuations of said member.

5. Mechanism of the character described comprising a controlling element, a movable member controlling the position of said element, means also controlling the position of said element, means actuated by said movable member in the movement of the latter to a position in which it controls said element for moving said first-named means out of normal position and constructed and arranged to cumulate the movements of the latter in one direction in successive actuations of said member, and time mechanism controlling the return of said first-named means to normal position and operative to effect such return upon the lapsing of a predetermined interval of time of a length dependent on the number of actuations of said member.

6. Mechanism of the character described comprising a controlling element, means controlling the position of said element and tending to move to such controlling position, a member movable relative to said means, means actuated by said movable member for moving said first-named means out of normal position, and time mechanism controlling the return of said first-named means to normal position.

7. Mechanism of the character described comprising a controlling element, means controlling the position of said element and movable element operating when moved in tending to move to such controlling position, a movable member, means actuated by said movable member for moving said firstnamed means out of normal position and comprising a flexible member engaging said first-named means, and time mechanism operatively engaging said flexible member and controlling the return of said first-named means to normal position and operative to etlect such return upon the lapsing of a predetermined interval of time of a length dependent on the number of actuations of said member.

8. Mechanism of the character described comprising a controlling element, a movable member controlling the position of said element, means also controlling the position of said element and tending to move to such controlling position, means actuated by said movable member for moving said firstnamed means out of normal position and constructed and arranged to cumulate the movements of the latter in one direction in successive operations of said member, and time mechanism controlling the return of said first-named means to' normal position and operative to eiiect such return upon the lapsing of a predetermined interval of time of a length dependent on the number of actuation of said member.

9. Mechanism of the character described comprising a controlling element, means controlling the position of said element and comprising a rotatable member tending to rotate to such controlling position, a movable member, means actuated by said movable member for moving said rotatable member out of normal position and comprising a. flexible member engaging said rotatable member, and time mechanism operatively engaging said flexihle member and controlling the return of said rotatable member to normal position and operative to effect such return upon the lapsing of a predetermined interval of time of a length dependent on the. number of actuations of said member. I 10. In combination with mechanism having controlling elements movable in opposite directions, of mechanisms for controlling said first-named mechanism comprising a movable element operating when moved in one direction to engage one of said firstreferred-to elements, a second member movable to actuate the other of said first-referred-to elements, means actuated by said first-named member for'moving said secondnamed member out of normal position, and time mechanism controlling the return of said second-named member to normal position.

11. In combination with mechanism having controlling elements movable in opposite directions, of mechanisms for controlling said first-named mechanism comprising a one direction to engage one of said firstreferred-to elements, a second member movable to actuate the other of said first-referred-to elements, means actuated by said first-named member for moving said secondnamed member out of normal position and constructed and arranged to cumulate the movements of the latter in one direction in successive actuations of said first-named member, and time mechanism controlling the return of said second-named member to normal position.

12. Mechanism of the character described comprising a controlling mechanism having controlling elements movable in opposite directions, a pivoted lever cooperating with one of said elements and operating when moved in one direction to actuate said element, a rotatably supported drum, a spring tending to rotate said drum in one direction, means whereby said drum upon reaching a predetermined position in operating. as stated, actuates the other of said controlling elements, a flexible element engaging the periphery of said drum and cooperating when drawn upon tomove said drum out of nor.- mal position, a second drum engaging the free end of said flexible element, means actuated by said lever for rotating said second drum, and time mechanism operatively engaging said flexible element and controlling the return of said drum to normal position.

13. Mechanism of the character described comprising a controlling mechanism having controlling elen'ients movable in opposite direetions, a pivoted lever cooperating with one of said elements and operating when moved in one direction to actuate said element, a rotatably supported drum. a spring tending to rotate said drain in one direction, means whereby said drmn upon reaching a predetermined position in operating, as stated, actuates the other of said controlling elements, a flexible element engaging the periphery of said drum and operating when drawn upon to move said drum out of normal position, a second drum engaging the free end of said flexible element. means actuated by said lever for rotating said second drum, and comprising a suitably supported endless drive element operatively engaging said drum and means on said lever operating when the latter is moved in one direction to actuate said endless element and when actuated in the opposite direction to idle relative to said element, and time mechanism controlling the return of said drum to normal position.

14. In combination with an electric switch having controlling elements movable in opposite directions, a movable member engaging one of said elements, means for engaging the other of said elements and movable out of normal position under the control of said aeeavvo movable member, and time mechanism controlling the return of said first-named means to normal position.

15. In combination with an electric switch having controlling elements movable in opposite directions, a movable member engaging one of said elements, means for engaging the other of said elements and movable out of normal position underthe control of said movable member in the movement of the latter to a position in which said member operates the one of said controlling elements with which it cooperates, and time mechanism controlling the return of said first-named means to normal position.

16. Mechanism of the character described comprising a controlling element, movable means adapted, in their movement to normal position, to engage said element and force it into a certain position, a movable member, means actuated by said movable member for moving said first-named means out of normal position and comprisinga flexible member engaging said first-named means, and time mechanism operatively engaging said flexible member and controlling the return of said first-named means to normal position;

17. Mechanism of the character described comprising a controlling element, movable means adapted, in their movement to normal position, to engage said element and force it into a certain position comprising a rotatable member tending to rotate to normal position, a movable member, means actuated by said movable member for moving said rotatable member out of normal position and comprising a flexible member engaging said rotatable member, and time mechanism operatively engaging said flexible member and controlling the return of said rotatable member to normal position.

18. Mechanism of the character described comprising a controlling element, movable means adapted in their movement to normal position to engage said element and force it into a certain position, a movable member, means actuated by said movable member for moving said first-named means out of normal position and constructed and arranged to cumulate the movements of the latter in one direction in successive operations of said member and comprising a flexible member engaging said movable means, and time mechanism controlling the return of said first-named means to normal position.

19. Mechanism of the character described comprising a controlling element, means controlling the position of said element and movable into and out of a position in which said element is in a certain positlon, means operative in successive movements thereof to effect intermittent, successive, cumulative movements of said first-named means out of said position and time mechanism controlling thereturn of said first-named means to normal position and operative to eiiect such return upon the lapsing of a predetermined interval or time of a length dependent on the number of actuations of said last-named means.

20. Mechanism of the character described comprising a controlling element, means controlling the position of said element and movable into and out or" a position in which said element is in a certain position, means movable relative to said first-named means and operative in successive movements thereof to effect intermittent, successive, cumulative movements or" said first-named means out of said position and time mechanism controlling the return of said first-named means to normal position and operative to eii'ect such return upon the lapsing of a predetermined interval of time of a length dependent on the number of actuations of said last-named means.

21. Mechanism of the character described comprising an electric switch, a movable member operative to force said switch to closed position, means controlling the opening of said switch and movable out of switch-opening position under the control of said movable member in moving to switchclosing position, and time mechanism controlling the return of said first-named means to normal position.

22. A combined time mechanism and utensil supporting structure comprising in combination, a casingincluding a supporting element, side walls and an upper wall comprising a flat plate adapted to serve as a support for utensils the action 0;? which is controlled by mechanism housed in said casing, time switch mechanism housed in said casing comprising a switch and time mechanism controlling said switch operating auto matically to open said switch a predetermined time after its closure, means projecting through one of said side walls to close said switch and initiate action of said time mechanism, means carried by said casing to electrically connect said switch to the plug of an electrical utensil supported on said plate, and means carried by said casing for connecting the switch to a source of energy.

JOHN C. MILLER. 

